How Jopito Kelner Shaped Davidoff Cigars and the Rise of Meerapfel Wrappers
, by Brian Desind, 60 min reading time
A deep dive into the Kelner family’s legacy, the Dominican roots of Davidoff, and the rare Meerapfel Cameroon leaf that defines luxury cigars.
A deep dive into the Kelner family’s legacy, the Dominican roots of Davidoff, and the rare Meerapfel Cameroon leaf that defines luxury cigars.
Introduction
When people talk about the modern cigar world, two names rise above the rest: Davidoff and Meerapfel. But behind those household names is the influence of one man whose story is rarely told— Jo “Jopito” Kelner. Our latest video dives into his life, his role in shaping the Dominican cigar industry, and how his legacy continues today through exclusive collaborations.
Jopito Kelner: The Hidden Force Behind Davidoff’s Dominican Chapter
It’s hard to overstate Jopito’s impact. In the 1980s, when Zino Davidoff needed to find a new home for his premium cigars outside of Cuba, it was Jopito who helped make the move to the Dominican Republic possible. By then, he already controlled a massive portion of the country’s tobacco crop. His influence and reputation gave his brother, Hendrik “Henke” Kelner Sr., the foundation to launch Tabadom, the factory that became the Dominican home of Davidoff cigars.
Without Jopito Kelner, Davidoff cigars as we know them today might never have existed.
The Kelner Family and Their Connection to Meerapfel Cameroon
Beyond Davidoff, the Kelner family has deep ties to another name synonymous with excellence: Meerapfel. Known for producing the rarest and most expensive wrapper in the industry— Meerapfel African Cameroon—the family’s collaboration with Privada Cigar Club created one of the most authentic tributes ever rolled: the JOPITO cigar.
Crafted as a corona with a Cameroon wrapper over Dominican binder and filler, this blend captures the very essence of what Jopito smoked daily. As Johannes Kelner, Jopito’s son, explained, “These are the same tobaccos grown by the same families, from the same tracts of land.”
For cigar lovers chasing authenticity, this is history you can taste.
Why This Story Matters to Cigar Aficionados
The worlds of Davidoff, Meerapfel, and the Kelner family intersect in Jopito’s story. To appreciate a Davidoff Grand Cru or a Meerapfel Cameroon-wrapped masterpiece is to appreciate the foundation Jopito laid for Dominican tobacco.
Our video captures rare footage of the Kelner family reflecting on Jopito’s life, his passion for cigars, and the joy he brought to others. It’s a celebration not only of a man but of the entire ecosystem of Dominican tobacco artistry that continues to define premium cigars today.
Product we recommend
The Author : Brian Desind
Brian Desind is an American entrepreneur and innovator in the premium cigar industry. He is the founder of Privada Cigar Club, a subscription-based community that has redefined how aficionados discover and enjoy rare cigars. Known for his disruptive approach, Desind pairs exclusive releases with storytelling, collectible packaging, and educational content, creating a culture around cigars that extends beyond smoking.
In addition to building Privada into one of the most influential clubs in the cigar world, Desind has launched related ventures including the Limited Cigar Association, Privada Coffee, and Cigar Public. His work highlights the intersection of craft, design, and community, often pushing boundaries that traditional cigar media avoid. With a background in marketing and a passion for connecting people through shared experiences, Desind continues to shape the future of boutique cigars and lifestyle culture.
